Published on Wednesday, 19 April 2017 10:20 | Written by Administrator

The spring that is north of town, on Burnt Mountain Road has been in use for many years, by locals and those from far away who would make the trip to Jasper just for the spring water.

By Paul Pugliese,

Ga. Extension Service

Question: Should we have the water we collect and drink from a popular roadside spring tested?

Answer: There are a number of roadside springs scattered throughout north Georgia that are popular among local residents. Many folks enjoy drinking “natural” spring water because it reportedly tastes better than municipal water sources. The main difference in taste may be the presence of natural minerals such as calcium in the water and the lack of chlorination treatment. However, just because it tastes better doesn’t mean that it is safe to drink nor does it provide any perceived health benefits. In fact, quite the opposite is true since these spring water sources are not tested or treated.

The Ryals say their dog Luger is responsible for saving Lisa’s life by alerting her to the blaze. The family lost everything in their Christian Way mobile home in Talking Rock last week. You can donate to the family at www.gofundme.com/ryal-family-fire-recoveryor at an account set up in their name at Community Bank of Pickens County.

Luger, the 135-pound German Rottweiler, took being man’s best friend to a whole new level last week when he saved his owner from a fire that destroyed her and her husband’s home and all their belongings.

“I’m so blessed to be alive,” said Lisa Ryal, who was laughing and smiling despite the 2nd and 3rd degree burns covering her face, hands and feet. “It could have been so much worse. If Luger hadn’t made all that noise I wouldn’t have woken up. I was sleeping good that day.”

Keith Galligan, a real life judge, will play a lawyer in the Tater Patch Players upcoming Inherit the Wind. He is shown with his kids Eli, Stella and Owen.

The Scopes “Monkey” Trial (formerly known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes) began in 1925 after a high school teacher violated a law that made it illegal to teach evolution in the classroom.

The trial attracted some of the most powerful attorneys in the country and created a media firestorm in the tiny Tennessee town of Dayton. It went on to become one of the most famous trials in U.S. history and was fictionalized in the 1955 play Inherit the Wind, which the Tater Patch Players will bring to stage this May.

The Progress looks at four different projects that will have an impact on the town

Pickens County is a small community, so when dirt starts moving people notice and want to know what’s going on. This week we look at a few construction projects happening around town, including medical offices, a gun range, a church and an auto repair/tire shop. See the full story in this week's print or online editions.

Published on Wednesday, 12 April 2017 10:33 | Written by Administrator

American Legion Post Commander Richard Rice, pictured at left, presents a plaque to Wayne Poore, who was named the Veteran of the Year for Pickens County.

By Larry Cavender

Contributing Writer

Wayne Poore, who served 20 years in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1964 to 1984, including three tours in Vietnam, was named Veteran of the Year by American Legion Post 149.

American Legion Post 149 Commander, Richard Rice pointed out that Poore "is not just the Veteran of the Year for Post 149, but for all of Pickens County." Recently, Poore, who retired with the rank of Captain, has been instrumental in efforts to establish and raise funds for the Pickens County Veterans Memorial.